why isn't windpower more widely used?
seems like it's been in use long enough, that every house should have some sort of small wind generator on it. new designs are even sort of not ugly to look at. i'm in the midwest U.S. and it seems like an obvious move. cost effectiveness should be in the "possible" range by the 21st century? right?
maybe i'm nuts.
2006-10-02 06:03:06 · 4 answers · asked by daddio 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The use of wind power is growing rapidly worldwide. In third world countries small systems are used because there is no electrical network to many villages and towns. It is not a good idea to attach a windmill to a house because of vibrations from the windmill can be heard and felt in the house. There are many regulations from local governments concerning windmill towers in the US. Also if you connect your system to the electrical grid you must pay taxes like other power producers. However the systems are getting cheaper and more efficient all the time. If you live in a windy area it can be a good way to light up driveways or outbuildings with 12volt lights as the power is generaly stored in marine type batteries.
2006-10-02 06:25:07 · answer #1 · answered by dave m 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Until recently, windpower was limited by the strength of materials available to construct large rotors. Use of composite materials has dramatically increased the size and strength of available designs.
The two primary concerns regarding wind energy today are cost per megawatt and load factor. The cost per megawatt of maximum electric power has dropped, but costs now seem to be leveling off.
Wind generation is, of course, not controllable. You get energy when the wind blows, and you don't get energy when the wind speed drops below a minimum generation speed or exceeds a maximum safe generation speed. You can't control wind generation to match the patterns of electricity use.
The load factor of an electric generator is the average power produced divided by the maximum power rating of the generator. The load factor of wind generators is typically 5% to 15% compared to coal or nuclear plants which are typically 90% to 95%.
In the United States, wind energy is still more expensive than electric energy produced by coal or nuclear plants, but the difference is slowly dropping. The environmental advantages of wind generators may help offset their cost disadvantage.
2006-10-02 13:06:19 · answer #2 · answered by Deep Thought 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I, personally can't wait for better designed wind powered generators, but the large designs that we have right now have a few problems...
1. the cost and the space of the land that the generators take up is very large
2. birds are constantly getting caught in these contraptions
3. the problem that will effect your idea of having our own generators is that no one can charge for it. The government, in turn can't tax on it. Therefore, it will most likely not happen.
2006-10-02 13:20:13 · answer #3 · answered by ecogrl23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone wants to look at gigantic wind mills all over the place. I would help I think to have small ones on houses and buildings however.
2006-10-02 13:09:38 · answer #4 · answered by Fire_God_69 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋